Title
Study Session Summary of October 17, 2017 - Joint Study Session with Council and Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission
Summary
Call to Order:
Vice Mayor Larsson called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
City Councilmembers Present:
Mayor Glenn Hendricks
Vice Mayor Gustav Larsson
Councilmember Jim Griffith
Councilmember Larry Klein
Councilmember Nancy Smith
Councilmember Russ Melton
Councilmember Michael S. Goldman
Board and Commission Members Present:
Chair John Cordes
Vice Chair Timothy Oey
City Councilmembers Absent:
None
Board and Commission Members Absent:
Commissioner Catherine Barry
Commissioner Susan Bremond
Commissioner Angela Rausch
Commissioner Scott Swail
Commissioner Kyle Welch
Study Session Summary:
Craig Mobeck, Interim Director of Public Works, Ria Hutabarat-Lo, Transportation and Traffic Manager, and Natalina Bernardi, BKF Engineers, delivered a presentation on the Caltrain Grade Separation Feasibility Study. The presentation outlined the project analysis, project outreach process and information on impacts of eliminated and shortlisted alternatives for grade separation at Mary Avenue and Sunnyvale Avenue. Shortlisted alternatives include Mary Avenue rail depression, road underpass and road underpass with jughandle; and Sunnyvale Avenue rail depression, road underpass tunnel, and pedestrian/bicycle undercrossing. Staff recommended further analysis of the Mary Avenue road underpass and jughandle, and Sunnyvale Avenue underpass tunnel and pedestrian/bicycle undercrossing.
Councilmembers and Commissioners commented on the projects benefits and concerns and provided feedback on additional research and/or information requested. Councilmembers requested that the rail depression alternative be left on the list. Interim Public Works Director, Craig Mobeck, reiterated that if the depressed rail option is carried forward it may be an increase to the current scope of work being performed by the consultant. Before carrying out the analysis of the depressed rail option along with the other alternatives included in the staff recommendations, staff will talk with the consultant to obtain a proposal for modifying the scope of work and will return to Council as needed for approvals.
Public Comment:
Members of the Sunnyvale Downtown Association as well as businesses in close proximity to the Sunnyvale Avenue station expressed concerns regarding negative impacts of an underpass tunnel to the downtown business area.
Other members of the public expressed concerns with property values being impacted and noted the potential benefits of a bike/pedestrian underpass.
Adjournment:
Vice Mayor Larsson adjourned the meeting at 6:57 p.m.